THE Chinese production of “Farm Hall,” a gripping historical drama about a group of German scientists who raced to build the atomic bomb, will grace Shenzhen audiences this September.

The play is directed by Yang Lei, starring veteran actors Huang Lei and He Jiong.

The production, which premiered Dec. 1, 2025 in Wuzhen, Jiangsu Province, is adapted from British dramatist and historian Katherine Moar’s acclaimed play, which has won global acclaim. The Guardian praised the original production, writing: “It unravels like an intelligent thriller whose ending we know but is nail-biting nonetheless.”

Set in the summer of 1945, “Farm Hall” recreates a little-known but fascinating chapter of World War II. Six of Germany’s top nuclear scientists — including three Nobel Prize winners — are detained by the Allies at a manor house near Cambridge, cut off from their families and uncertain of their fate. Their tense and tedious days are shattered by news that the United States has successfully built and deployed an atomic bomb against Japan — a feat the Germans had failed to achieve. Unbeknownst to them, every moment of their confinement has been secretly recorded. Drawing from declassified transcripts, Moar’s play unfolds as a riveting exploration of ambition, rivalry, and moral conscience.

The Chinese production brings fresh artistic dimensions to the work. Costume design preserves the defining features of 1940s fashion while incorporating contemporary “silhouette” and “relaxed-fit” aesthetics, making historical figures feel accessible and resonant to modern audiences.

Another highlight is the production’s approach to music. For each performance, the score will evolve improvisationally in response to changing environments, character relationships, and overall atmosphere. The interplay between warm acoustic instrumentation and cool electronic textures precisely captures the tension and emotional distance inherent in the scientists’ intellectual and moral struggles, ensuring that every show offers a one-of-a-kind viewing experience.

Time: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 18–19

Venue: Opera Hall, Bay Opera of Shenzhen, Bao’an District (深圳滨海艺术中心歌剧厅)

Metro: Line 5 to Baohua Station (宝华站), Exit D(Tang Li)